Bears’ Manning mans versatile role

Tuesday

Aug 28, 2007 at 12:01 AMAug 28, 2007 at 7:24 PM

Chicago fans know of Danieal Manning as the rookie last year who filled in at safety when veteran Mike Brown was lost for the season because of a foot injury. This season, they could see him backing up at safety or filling in at corner.

Reed Schreck

Danieal Manning said he’s getting better at his position.

Uh, which one?

He laughed.

“That’s a good question,” said the second-year Chicago Bear and possessor of multiple talents.

Chicago fans know of Manning as the rookie last year who filled in at safety when veteran Mike Brown was lost for the season because of a foot injury. This season, they could see him backing up at safety or filling in at corner.

He’s becoming quite prominent on special teams, particularly kickoff returns in preseason games and practices.

“I’m improving every week,” he said of returning kickoffs. “As long as I get my hands on the ball, I’ll have opportunities to make plays. I just want to keep improving.”

Whatever he’s doing on any particular day, he just knows he’s glad to have one year behind him.

“The second year is smooth, man,” he said. “Everything is smooth. I’m enjoying every day.”

That was illustrated early in camp when he had two interceptions in the first four days

“I’m getting in great position and just learning everything I can about this level of football.”

Manning was moved to a backup role because Brown has returned healthy and the team traded for veteran Adam Archuleta. Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher are secure at corner, both having signed contract extensions in the offseason.

“There’s competition everywhere, but I look at it as a chance for me to get better,” said Manning, who started 14 regular-season games and all three playoff games last year. “Adam and Mike bring a lot to the table, and I’m just learning. When my opportunity presents itself, I just want to be able to contribute.”

Losing a starting job doesn’t seem to bother him as much as it might some players.

“I’m in a good position, still learning, I’ve still got a good chance to make plays on the field,” he said.

“It’s a long season. I don’t want to wish bad on anyone, but injuries happen. The coaches get me on the field regardless. I’m just hanging in there and doing the best I can do.”

Manning’s focus is on “just paying attention to details.” That means more concentration on corner duties.

“I never had to do similar techniques in college,” the former Abilene Christian star said. “It’s totally different from the position I was playing. We played inside leverage and now we’re playing outside leverage. It’s totally different.”

Secondary coach Steven Wilks says of Manning: “He’s probably one of our best athletes back there. We’re just trying to utilize him in the best situations at free (safety) or strong safety or corner. He gives us so much versatility.

“Right now, he’s a free safety with the ability to be interchangeable back there at corner. We like our options right now with Danieal.”

Wilks notices a difference in Manning from one year to the next, a step the two have taken together. Wilks was the only new position coach added last season.

“There’s no question he’s more comfortable in the system,” Wilks said. “He’s playing with a lot more confidence and you can see that each and every day throughout (organized team activities) and training camp so far.”

Manning’s goal is to improve everything.

“It’s my second year,” he said. “I can get better. I’m not at the top of my game, but I want to be. I’ve got to keep improving.”

Reed Schreck is the NFL Writer for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached at 815-987-1381 or rschreck@rrstar.com.